Anti-alphabeta3 humanized monoclonal antibodies

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel humanized and other recombinant or engineered antibodies or monoclonal antibodies to the vitronectin α v β 3  receptor and to the genes encoding same. Such antibodies are useful for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of α v β 3 -mediated disorders, such as restenosis, in human patients.

This is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/223,880, filed Aug. 20, 2002,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/380,910, filed 10Sep. 1999, which is a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Stage entry of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/US98/04987, filed 12 Mar. 1998, whichclaims the benefit from Provisional Application No. 60/039,609, filed 12Mar. 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)and to the genes encoding same. More specifically, this inventionrelates to human monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with anepitope of the human vitronectin receptor, α_(v)β₃. Such antibodies areuseful for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of restenosis,angiogenic associated diseases (e.g., cancer, cancer metastasis,rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis) among other disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integrins are a superfamily of cell adhesion receptors, which areheterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins expressed on a variety ofcells. These cell surface adhesion receptors include the vitronectinreceptor α_(v)β₃. The vitronectin receptor α_(v)β₃ is expressed on anumber of cells, including endothelial, smooth muscle, osteoclast, andtumor cells, and, thus, it has a variety of functions.

For example, the α_(v)β₃ receptor expressed on the membrane ofosteoclast cells has been postulated to mediate the bone resorptionprocess and contribute to the development of osteoporosis [Ross, et al.,J. Biol. Chem., 1987, 262: 7703]. As another example, the α_(v)β₃receptor expressed on human aortic smooth muscle cells has beenpostulated to stimulate their migration into neointima, which leads tothe formation of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty[Brown, et al., Cardiovascular Res., 1994, 28: 1815].

The connection between antagonism of the vitronectin receptor andrestenosis after vascular procedures was referred to by Choi et al, J.Vasc. Surg., 1994, 19:125-34. International Patent Publication No.WO95/25543, published Mar. 9, 1995, refers to a method of inhibitingangiogenesis by administering an antagonist of the vitronectin receptor.

Additionally, a recent study referred to an α_(v)β₃ antagonist aspromoting tumor regression by inducing apoptosis of angiogenic bloodvessels [P. C. Brooks, et al., Cell, 1994, 79: 1157-1164]. Similarly amurine monoclonal antibody LM609 developed to the vitronectin receptorreported in International Patent Publication No. WO89/05155, publishedJun. 15, 1995, was referred to as useful in the inhibition of tumorgrowth. See, also, D. A. Cheresh et al, Cell, 1989, 57:59-69.

While passive immunotherapy employing monoclonal antibodies from aheterologous species (e.g., murine) has been suggested as a usefulmechanism for treating or preventing various diseases or disorders, onealternative to reduce the risk of an undesirable immune response on thepart of the patient directed against the foreign antibody is to employ“humanized” antibodies. These antibodies are substantially of humanorigin, with only the Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) andcertain framework residues that influence CDR conformation being ofnon-human origin.

Particularly useful examples of this approach for the treatment of somedisorders are disclosed in PCT Application PCT/GB91/01554, PublicationNo. WO 92/04381 and PCT Application PCT/GB93/00725, Publication No.WO93/20210.

A second and more preferred approach is to employ fully human mAbs.Unfortunately, there have been few successes in producing humanmonoclonal antibodies through classic hybridoma technology. Indeed,acceptable human fusion partners have not been identified and murinemyeloma fusion partners do not work well with human cells, yieldingunstable and low producing hybridoma lines.

Novel human mAbs or humanized antibodies are particularly useful aloneor in combination with existing molecules to form immunotherapeuticcompositions. There remains a need in the art for fully human mAbs tovitronectin receptor α_(v)β₃ or humanized antibodies thereto which canselectively block the integrin α_(v)β₃ and display a long serumhalf-life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this invention relates to a novel humanized monoclonalantibody directed against α_(v)β₃ and functional fragments thereof. Thishumanized antibody is specifically reactive with the human α_(v)β₃(vitronectin receptor) and capable of neutralizing its function.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides modifications toneutralizing Fab fragments or F(ab′)₂ fragments specific for the humanα_(v)β₃ receptor produced by random combinatorial cloning of humanantibody sequences and isolated from a filamentous phage Fab displaylibrary.

In still another aspect, there is provided a reshaped human antibodycontaining human heavy and light chain constant regions from a firsthuman donor and heavy and light chain variable regions or the CDRsthereof derived from human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for thehuman α_(v)β₃ receptor derived from a second human donor.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition which contains one (or more) altered antibodies and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for passiveimmunotherapy of a disorder mediated by α_(v)β₃ receptor, such asrestenosis, cancer metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis or atherosclerosis,among others, in a human by administering to said human an effectiveamount of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention for theprophylactic or therapeutic treatment of the disorder.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating adisease which is mediated by the vitronectin receptor in a human, byadministering to the human an immunotherapeutically effective amount ofthe antibody of the invention, followed by administering to said human atherapeutically effective amount of a small chemical molecule which isan antagonist of the receptor.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods for, andcomponents useful in, the recombinant production of humanized andaltered antibodies (e.g., engineered antibodies, CDRs, Fab or F(ab′)₂fragments, or analogs thereof) which are derived from neutralizingmonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the human α_(v)β₃ receptor. Thesecomponents include isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding same,recombinant plasmids containing the nucleic acid sequences under thecontrol of selected regulatory sequences which are capable of directingthe expression thereof in host cells (preferably mammalian) transfectedwith the recombinant plasmids. The production method involves culturinga transfected host cell line of the present invention under conditionssuch that the human or altered antibody is expressed in said cells andisolating the expressed product therefrom.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method to diagnose the presenceof the human α_(v)β₃ receptor overexpression in a human which comprisescontacting a biopsy sample with the antibodies and altered antibodies ofthe instant invention and assaying for the occurrence of binding betweensaid antibody (or altered antibody) and the human α_(v)β₃ receptor.

In yet another embodiment of the invention is a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising at least one dose of an immunotherapeuticallyeffective amount of the antibodies of this invention in combination withat least one additional monoclonal or altered antibody. A particularlydesirable composition comprises as the additional antibody, ananti-human α_(v)β₃ receptor antibody distinguished from the subjectantibody by virtue of being reactive with a different epitope of thehuman α_(v)β₃ receptor.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are describedfurther in the detailed description and the preferred embodimentsthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the binding of mAbs to human α_(v)β₃receptor via ELISA as described in Example 3 for D12 and LM609.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the binding of mAbs to α_(v)β₃ receptorvia an Origen label for D12 and LM609 and MU19 as control (see Example9).

FIG. 3 is a graph representing BIAcore data of D12 and LM609 (6 nM)binding with immobilized α_(v)β₃, as described in Example 8.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of antibodies (D12and the backup antibodies listed in Table I) for the ability to prevent1 μg/ml of LM609 from binding 1 μg/ml α_(v)β₃ in an ORIGEN labelexperiment. See Example 9.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the effect of humanized D 12concentration in the HEK293 Cell Adhesion Assay.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph illustrating the inhibition of binding of 1 μg/mlLM609 to 1 μg/ml α_(v)β₃ by preincubating with LM609 or D12.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph illustrating the inhibition of binding of 1 μg/mlD12 to 1 μg/ml α_(v)β₃ by preincubating with LM609 or D12.

FIG. 8 is a bar graph illustrating the flow cytometry results of themurine and humanized D12 antibodies against two human cell types and arabbit cell type. See, Example 6.

FIG. 9 is a bar graph illustrated the inhibition of rabbit smooth musclecells in the assay of Example 10 by the murine D12 mAb (black bars) andthe humanized HZ D12 IgG₁ (white bars).

FIG. 10A is a bar graph illustrating the results of the rabbitrestenosis assay of Example 15, measuring the effect on the lumen areaof an injured vessel of treatment with a control or treatment withmurine D12, delivered at a dosage of 3 mg/kg, i.v. N is the number ofanimals treated.

FIG. 10B is a bar graph illustrating the results of the rabbitrestenosis assay measuring the effect on the total vessel area of theinjured vessels treated as in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a bar graph similar to that of FIG. 10A, except that themurine D12 was delivered at a dosage of 9 mg/kg, i.v.

FIG. 10D is a bar graph similar to that of FIG. 10B, except that themurine D12 was delivered at a dosage of 9 mg/kg, i.v.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides useful antibodies, including monoclonal,recombinant and synthetic antibodies (and fragments thereof) reactivewith the human vitronectin α_(v)β₃ receptor, isolated nucleic acidsencoding same and various means for their recombinant production as wellas therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic uses of such antibodies andfragments thereof.

The antibodies of this invention inhibit the binding of vitronectin andother ligands to the vitronectin (α_(v)β₃) receptor. These antibodiescan selectively block the integrin α_(v)β₃ and display a long serumhalf-life in vivo in animal models (e.g., about 21 days). They displayadditional functions such as complement fixation. Specifically, theantibodies including the murine monoclonal D12 and the humanizedantibody HuD12, which specifically neutralize α_(v)β₃, are desirable foruse as acute and subacute therapeutic reagents for the treatment of thedisorders mediated by the vitronectin receptor. Inhibition of thevitronectin receptor by the antibodies of this invention permitstherapeutic treatment or prophylaxis of diseases such as restenosis andangiogenesis.

I. Sequence ID Nos.

Sequence ID Nos. 1 and 2 are the heavy chain variable region DNA andamino acid sequences, respectively, of murine mAb D12. The CDRs arelocated at AA residues 31-35, nucleotides 91-105; AA 50-66, nucleotides148-198; and AA 99-106, nucleotides 295-318 of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2.

Sequence ID Nos. 6 and 7 are the light chain DNA and amino acidsequences, respectively, of the murine mAb D12. The CDRs are located atAA24-34, nucleotides 70-102; AA50-56, nucleotides 148-168; and AA89-97,nucleotides 265-291 of SEQ ID NOS: 6 and 7.

Sequence ID No. 3 is the heavy chain variable region amino acid sequenceof the human VH subgroup I consensus sequence, in which the CDRs arelocated at AA31-35; AA49-64; and AA97-104. SEQ ID NO: 8 is the lightchain amino acid sequence of the human V kappa subgroup III consensussequence, in which the CDRs are located at AA24-35, AA51-57 and AA90-99.

Sequence ID Nos. 4 and 5 are the synthetic heavy chain variable regionDNA and amino acid sequences, respectively, of the consensus humanizedheavy chain D12HZHC1-0. The CDRs are located at AA31-35, nucleotides91-115; AA50-66, nucleotides 148-198; and AA99-106, nucleotides 295-318.Preferred murine framework residues retained in the synthetic heavychain are the AA residues 28, 48, 67, 68, 70, 72 and 74.

Sequence ID Nos. 9 and 10 are the synthetic light chain DNA and aminoacid sequences, respectively, of the consensus, synthetic, humanizedlight chain D12HZLC-1-0. The CDRs are located at AA24-34, nucleotides70-102; AA50-56, nucleotides 148-168; and AA89-97, nucleotides 265-291.Preferred murine framework residues are amino acid residues 1, 49 and60.

Sequence ID Nos. 11 and 12 are the DNA and amino acid sequences,respectively, of the region of the murine D12 heavy chain variableregion being altered. Sequence ID Nos. 13 and 14 are the DNA and aminoacid sequences, respectively, of the region of the murine D12 lightchain variable region being altered, including the first five aminoacids of the human kappa constant region.

Sequence ID No. 15 is the amino acid sequence of the modified human REIkappa chain framework.

Sequence ID Nos. 16 and 17 are the DNA and amino acid sequences,respectively, of the Jk gene and its gene product.

Sequence ID Nos. 18 and 19 are the DNA and amino acid sequences,respectively, of the CAMPATH signal sequence.

Sequence ID Nos. 20 and 21 are the DNA and amino acid sequences,respectively, of the synthetic humanized kappa chain based on a modifiedhuman REI kappa chain framework.

Sequence ID Nos. 22-25, 30-31, 36-39, and 44-45 are primer sequencesused in Examples 13 and 14.

Sequence ID Nos. 26-29, 32-35, and 40-43 are synthetic oligos used inExamples 13 and 14.

II. Definitions.

As used in this specification and the claims, the following terms aredefined as follows:

The phrase “disorders mediated by the α_(v)β₃ receptor”, includes, butis not limited to, cardiovascular disorders or angiogenic-relateddisorders, such as angiogenesis associated with diabetic retinopathy,atherosclerosis and restenosis, chronic inflammatory disorders, maculardegeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer, e.g., solid tumormetastasis, and diseases wherein bone resorption is associated withpathology such as osteoporosis. The antibodies of this invention areuseful also as anti-metastatic and antitumor agents.

“Altered antibody” refers to a protein encoded by an immunoglobulincoding region altered from its natural form, which may be obtained byexpression in a selected host cell. Such altered antibodies areengineered antibodies (e.g., chimeric, humanized, or reshaped orimmunologically edited human antibodies) or fragments thereof lackingall or part of an immunoglobulin constant region, e.g., F_(v), Fab, orF(ab′)₂ and the like.

“Altered immunoglobulin coding region” refers to a nucleic acid sequenceencoding an altered antibody of the invention or a fragment thereof.

“Reshaped human antibody” refers to an altered antibody in whichminimally at least one CDR from a first human monoclonal donor antibodyis substituted for a CDR in a second human acceptor antibody. Preferablyall six CDRs are replaced. More preferably an entire antigen combiningregion, for example, an Fv, Fab or F(ab′)₂, from a first human donormonoclonal antibody is substituted for the corresponding region in asecond human acceptor monoclonal antibody. Most preferably the Fabregion from a first human donor is operatively linked to the appropriateconstant regions of a second human acceptor antibody to form a fulllength monoclonal antibody.

“First immunoglobulin partner” refers to a nucleic acid sequenceencoding a human framework or human immunoglobulin variable region inwhich the native (or naturally-occurring) CDR-encoding regions arereplaced by the CDR-encoding regions of a donor human antibody. Thehuman variable region can be an immunoglobulin heavy chain, a lightchain (or both chains), an analog or functional fragment thereof. SuchCDR regions, located within the variable region of antibodies(immunoglobulins) can be determined by known methods in the art. Forexample, Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,4th Ed., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NationalInstitutes of Health (1987) disclose rules for locating CDRs. Inaddition, computer programs are known which are useful for identifyingCDR regions/structures.

“Second fusion partner” refers to another nucleotide sequence encoding aprotein or peptide to which the first immunoglobulin partner is fused inframe or by means of an optional conventional linker sequence (i.e.,operatively linked). Preferably the fusion partner is an immunoglobulingene and when so, it is referred to as a “second immunoglobulinpartner”. The second immunoglobulin partner may include a nucleic acidsequence encoding the entire constant region for the same (i.e.,homologous—the first and second altered antibodies are derived from thesame source) or an additional (i.e., heterologous) antibody of interest.It may be an immunoglobulin heavy chain or light chain (or both chainsas part of a single polypeptide). The second immunoglobulin partner isnot limited to a particular immunoglobulin class or isotype. Inaddition, the second immunoglobulin partner may comprise part of animmunoglobulin constant region, such as found in a Fab, or F(ab′)₂(i.e., a discrete part of an appropriate human constant region orframework region). A second fusion partner may also comprise a sequenceencoding an integral membrane protein exposed on the outer surface of ahost cell, e.g., as part of a phage display library, or a sequenceencoding a protein for analytical or diagnostic detection, e.g.,horseradish peroxidase, β-galactosidase, etc.

The terms Fv, Fc, Fd, Fab, or F(ab′)₂ are used with their standardmeanings [see, e.g., Harlow et al, Antibodies A Laboratory Manual, ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory, (1988)].

As used herein, an “engineered antibody” describes a type of alteredantibody, i.e., a full-length synthetic antibody (e.g., a chimeric,humanized, reshaped, or immunologically edited human antibody as opposedto an antibody fragment) in which a portion of the light and/or heavychain variable domains of a selected acceptor antibody are replaced byanalogous parts from one or more donor antibodies which have specificityfor the selected epitope. For example, such molecules may includeantibodies characterized by a humanized heavy chain associated with anunmodified light chain (or chimeric light chain), or vice versa.Engineered antibodies may also be characterized by alteration of thenucleic acid sequences encoding the acceptor antibody light and/or heavyvariable domain framework regions in order to retain donor antibodybinding specificity. These antibodies can comprise replacement of one ormore CDRs (preferably all) from the acceptor antibody with CDRs from adonor antibody described herein.

A “chimeric antibody” refers to a type of engineered antibody whichcontains naturally-occurring variable region (light chain and heavychain) derived from a donor antibody in association with light and heavychain constant regions derived from an acceptor antibody from aheterologous species.

A “humanized antibody” refers to a type of engineered antibody havingits CDRs derived from a non-human donor immunoglobulin, the remainingimmunoglobulin-derived parts of the molecule being derived from one (ormore) human immunoglobulin(s). In addition, framework support residuesmay be altered to preserve binding affinity [see, e.g., Queen et al.,1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 86:10029-10032 and Hodgson et al.,1991, Bio/Technology, 9:421].

An “immunologically edited antibody” refers to a type of engineeredantibody in which changes are made in donor and/or acceptor sequences toedit regions involving cloning artifacts, germ line enhancements, etc.aimed at reducing the likelihood of an immunological response to theantibody on the part of a patient being treated with the editedantibody.

The term “donor antibody” refers to an antibody (monoclonal orrecombinant) which contributes the nucleic acid sequences of itsvariable regions, CDRs, or other functional fragments or analogs thereofto a first immunoglobulin partner, so as to provide the alteredimmunoglobulin coding region and resulting expressed altered antibodywith the antigenic specificity and neutralizing activity characteristicof the donor antibody. One donor antibody suitable for use in thisinvention is a neutralizing murine monoclonal anti-α_(v)β₃ antibody,designated as D12. D12 is defined as having the variable heavy chain andvariable light chain amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 7,respectively.

The term “acceptor antibody” refers to an antibody (monoclonal orrecombinant) from a source genetically unrelated to the donor antibody,which contributes all (or any portion, but preferably all) of thenucleic acid sequences encoding its heavy and/or light chain frameworkregions and/or its heavy and/or light chain constant regions to thefirst immunoglobulin partner. Preferably a human antibody is theacceptor antibody.

“Consensus VH” or “Consensus VK” regions refer to amino acid sequenceswhich can function in a manner similar to the framework regions of theacceptor antibody, but are selected by conventional computer techniques.Briefly, provided with a given VH or VK amino acid sequence, the humanVH and VK sequences closest to the given sequence are assembled toidentify the closest antibody subgroup. Once the subgroup is selected,all human antibodies from that subgroup are compared and a consensussequence of the VH and VK chains are prepared. The consensus sequencesare used to generate a desirable synthetic framework region for thehumanized antibody.

“CDRs” are the complementarity determining region amino acid sequencesof an antibody. CDRs are the hypervariable regions of immunoglobulinheavy and light chains. See, e.g., Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest, 4th Ed., U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices, National Institutes of Health (1987). There are three heavychain CDRs and three light chain CDRs (or CDR regions) in the variableportions of an immunoglobulin. Thus, “CDRs” as used herein refer to allthree heavy chain CDRs, or all three light chain CDRs (or both all heavyand all light chain CDRs, if appropriate). CDRs provide the majority ofcontact residues for the binding of the antibody to the antigen orepitope. CDRs of interest in this invention are derived from donorantibody variable heavy and light chain sequences, and include analogsof the naturally occurring CDRs, which analogs also share or retain thesame antigen binding specificity and/or neutralizing ability as thedonor antibody from which they were derived.

By “sharing the antigen binding specificity or neutralizing ability” ismeant, for example, that although mAb D12 may be characterized by acertain level of antigen affinity, a CDR encoded by a nucleic acidsequence of mAb D12 in an appropriate structural environment may have alower or higher affinity. It is expected that CDRs of mAb D12 in suchenvironments will nevertheless recognize the same epitope(s) as does theintact mAb D12.

A “functional fragment” is a partial heavy or light chain variablesequence (e.g., minor deletions at the amino or carboxy terminus of theimmunoglobulin variable region) which retains the same antigen bindingspecificity and/or neutralizing ability as the antibody from which thefragment was derived.

An “analog” is an amino acid sequence modified by at least one aminoacid, wherein said modification can be a chemical modification orsubstitution onto an amino acid or a substitution or a rearrangement ofa few amino acids (i.e., no more than 10), which modification permitsthe amino acid sequence to retain the biological characteristics, e.g.,antigen specificity and high affinity, of the unmodified sequence. Forexample, (silent) mutations can be constructed, via substitutions, whencertain endonuclease restriction sites are created within or surroundingCDR-encoding regions.

Where in this text, protein and/or DNA sequences are defined by theirpercent homologies or identities to identified sequences, the algorithmsused to calculate the percent homologies or percent identities includethe following: the Smith-Waterman algorithm [J. F. Collins et al, 1988,Comput. Appl. Biosci., 4:67-72; J. F. Collins et al, Molecular SequenceComparison and Alignment, (M. J. Bishop et al, eds.) in PracticalApproach Series: Nucleic Acid and Protein Sequence Analysis XVIII, IRLPress: Oxford, England, UK (1987) pp. 417], and the BLAST and FASTAprograms [E. G. Shpaer et al, 1996, Genomics, 3 8:179-191]. Thesereferences are incorporated herein by reference.

Analogs may also arise as allelic variations. An “allelic variation ormodification” is an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence encoding theamino acid or peptide sequences of the invention. Such variations ormodifications may be due to degeneracy in the genetic code or may bedeliberately engineered to provide desired characteristics. Thesevariations or modifications may or may not result in alterations in anyencoded amino acid sequence.

The term “effector agents” refers to non-protein carrier molecules towhich the altered antibodies, and/or natural or synthetic light or heavychains of the donor antibody or other fragments of the donor antibodymay be associated by conventional means. Such non-protein carriers caninclude conventional carriers used in the diagnostic field, e.g.,polystyrene or other plastic beads, polysaccharides, e.g., as used inthe BIAcore (Pharmacia) system, or other non-protein substances usefulin the medical field and safe for administration to humans and animals.Other effector agents may include a macrocycle, for chelating a heavymetal atom, or radioisotopes. Such effector agents may also be useful toincrease the half-life of the altered antibodies, e.g., polyethyleneglycol.

III. Anti-α_(v)β₃ Murine Monoclonal Antibodies

For use in constructing the humanized antibodies, fragments and fusionproteins of this invention, a non-human species may be employed togenerate a desirable immunoglobulin upon presentment with the humanplacental α_(v)β₃ receptor as antigen. Conventional hybridoma techniquesare employed to provide a hybridoma cell line secreting a non-humanmonoclonal antibody (mAb) to the α_(v)β₃ receptor. As one example, theproduction of murine mAb D12, and other murine anti-α_(v)β₃ mAbs isdescribed in detail in Example 2 below. For ease of discussion below,the term D12 may refer to the D12 mAb or any of the other mAbs ofExample 2.

D12 is a desirable donor antibody for use in developing a chimeric orhumanized antibody of this invention. The characteristics of theneutralizing murine mAb D12 obtained as described in Example 2 includean antigen binding specificity for human α_(v)β₃ and characteristicslisted in Table I below. The isotype of the mAb D12 of Example 2 isIgG₁, and it has an affinity of between about 1 and 3 nM, depending onthe assay employed. The antibody recognizes the heterodimeric α and βepitope of α_(v)β₃ and does not recognize either α or β subunitsindividually. The binding is illustrated by binding and functionalactivity (neutralization) in the in vitro assays of Examples 3-12below).

Given the sequences provided, i.e. the light chain variable region ofD12 [SEQ ID NOS: 6 and 7] and the heavy chain variable region of D12[SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2], one of skill in the art could obtain theremaining portions of the heavy chain using, for example, polymerasechain reaction, and thus obtain a complete mAb molecule. Alternatively,a D12 molecule could be constructed using techniques analogous to thosedescribed below for the synthetic and recombinant mAbs of the inventionand employing other murine IgG subtype heavy chains.

Other anti-α_(v)β₃ antibodies may be developed by screening hybridomasor combinatorial libraries, or antibody phage displays [W. D. Huse etal., 1988, Science, 246:1275-1281] using the murine mAb described hereinand its α_(v)β₃ epitope. A collection of antibodies, including hybridomaproducts or antibodies derived from any species immunoglobulinrepertoire may be screened in a conventional competition assay, such asdescribed in Examples 5, 8 and 9 below, with one or more epitopesdescribed herein. Thus, the invention may provide an antibody, otherthan D12, which is capable of binding to and neutralizing the α_(v)β₃receptor. Other mAbs generated against a desired α_(v)β₃ epitope andproduced by conventional techniques, include without limitation, genesencoding murine mAbs, human mAbs, and combinatorial antibodies.

This invention is not limited to the use of the D12 mAb or itshypervariable sequences. It is anticipated that any appropriate α_(v)β₃neutralizing antibodies and corresponding anti-α_(v)β₃ CDRs described inthe art may be substituted therefor. Wherever in the followingdescription the donor antibody is identified as D12, this designation ismade for illustration and simplicity of description only.

IV. Combinatorial Cloning to Obtain Human Antibodies

As mentioned above, a number of problems have hampered the directapplication of the hybridoma technology of G. Kohler and C. Milstein,1975, Nature, 256: 495-497 to the generation and isolation of humanmonoclonal antibodies. Among these are a lack of suitable fusion partnermyeloma cell lines used to form hybridoma cell lines as well as the poorstability of such hybridomas even when formed. Therefore, the molecularbiological approach of combinatorial cloning is preferred.

Combinatorial cloning is disclosed generally in PCT Publication No.WO90/14430. Simply stated, the goal of combinatorial cloning is totransfer to a population of bacterial cells the immunological geneticcapacity of a human cell, tissue or organ. It is preferred to employcells, tissues or organs which are immunocompetent. Particularly usefulsources include, without limitation, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, bonemarrow, tonsil and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The cells may beoptionally stimulated with the human α_(v)β₃ receptor in vitro, orselected from donors which are known to have produced an immune responseor donors who are HIV⁺ but asymptomatic.

The genetic information (i.e., the human antibodies produced in thetissues in response to stimulation by α_(v)β₃ as antigen) isolated fromthe donor cells can be in the form of DNA or RNA and is convenientlyamplified by PCR or similar techniques. When isolated as RNA the geneticinformation is preferably converted into cDNA by reverse transcriptionprior to amplification. The amplification can be generalized or morespecifically tailored. For example, by a careful selection of PCR primersequences, selective amplification of immunoglobulin genes or subsetswithin that class of genes can be achieved.

Once the component gene sequences are obtained, in this case the genesencoding the variable regions of the various heavy and light antibodychains, the light and heavy chain genes are associated in randomcombinations to form a random combinatorial library. Various recombinantDNA vector systems have been described to facilitate combinatorialcloning [see, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO90/14430 supra, Scott andSmith, 1990, Science, 249:386-406 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409]. Havinggenerated the combinatorial library, the products can, after expression,be conveniently screened by biopanning with the human α_(v)β₃ receptoror, if necessary, by epitope blocked biopanning as described in moredetail below.

Initially it is generally preferred to use Fab fragments of mAbs, suchas D12, for combinatorial cloning and screening and then to convert theFabs to full length mAbs after selection of the desired candidatemolecules. However, single chain antibodies can also be used for cloningand screening.

V. Antibody Fragments

The present invention contemplates the use of Fab fragments or F(ab′)₂fragments to derived full-length mAbs directed against the human α_(v)β₃receptor. Although these fragments may be independently useful asprotective and therapeutic agents in vivo against conditions mediated bythe human α_(v)β₃ receptor or in vitro as part of a diagnostic for adisease mediated by the human α_(v)β₃ receptor, they are employed hereinas a component of a reshaped human antibody. A Fab fragment contains theentire light chain and amino terminal portion of the heavy chain; and anF(ab′)₂ fragment is the fragment formed by two Fab fragments bound byadditional disulfide bonds. Human α_(v)β₃ receptor binding monoclonalantibodies of the present invention provide sources of Fab fragments andF(ab′)₂ fragments, which latter fragments can be obtained fromcombinatorial phage library [see, e.g., Winter et al., 1994, Ann. Rev.Immunol., 12:433-455 or Barbas et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,89:10164-10168 which are both hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties]. These Fab and F(ab′)₂ fragments are useful themselves astherapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents, and as donors ofsequences including the variable regions and CDR sequences useful in theformation of recombinant or humanized antibodies as described herein.

VI. Anti-Human α_(v)β₃ Antibody Amino Acid and Nucleotide Sequences ofInterest

The mAb D12 or other antibodies described herein may contributesequences, such as variable heavy and/or light chain peptide sequences,framework sequences, CDR sequences, functional fragments, and analogsthereof, and the nucleic acid sequences encoding them, useful indesigning and obtaining various altered antibodies which arecharacterized by the antigen binding specificity of the donor antibody.

As one example, the present invention thus provides variable light chain[SEQ ID NOS: 6 and 7] and variable heavy chain sequences [SEQ ID NOS: 1and 2] from the anti-human α_(v)β₃ mAb D12 and sequences derivedtherefrom.

The nucleic acid sequences of this invention, or fragments thereof,encoding the variable light chain and heavy chain peptide sequences arealso useful for mutagenic introduction of specific changes within thenucleic acid sequences encoding the CDRs or framework regions, and forincorporation of the resulting modified or fusion nucleic acid sequenceinto a plasmid for expression. For example, silent substitutions in thenucleotide sequence of the framework and CDR-encoding regions can beused to create restriction enzyme sites which would facilitate insertionof mutagenized CDR (and/or framework) regions. These CDR-encodingregions may be used in the construction of reshaped human antibodies ofthis invention.

Taking into account the degeneracy of the genetic code, various codingsequences may be constructed which encode the variable heavy and lightchain amino acid sequences, and CDR sequences of the invention as wellas functional fragments and analogs thereof which share the antigenspecificity of the donor antibody. The isolated nucleic acid sequencesof this invention, or fragments thereof, encoding the variable chainpeptide sequences or CDRs can be used to produce altered antibodies,e.g., chimeric or humanized antibodies, or other engineered antibodiesof this invention when operatively combined with a second immunoglobulinpartner.

It should be noted that in addition to isolated nucleic acid sequencesencoding portions of the altered antibody and antibodies describedherein, other such nucleic acid sequences are encompassed by the presentinvention, such as those complementary to the native CDR-encodingsequences or complementary to the modified human framework regionssurrounding the CDR-encoding regions. Such sequences include all nucleicacid sequences which by virtue of the redundancy of the genetic code arecapable of encoding the same amino acid sequences as provided in SEQ IDNOS: 2 and 7. An exemplary humanized light chain variable DNA sequenceis illustrated in SEQ ID NO: 9. An exemplary humanized heavy chainvariable DNA sequence is illustrated in SEQ ID NO: 4. These heavy chainand the light chain variable regions have three CDR sequences describedin detail in the murine sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 6 and 7.

Other useful DNA sequences encompassed by this invention include thosesequences which hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions [see,e.g., T. Maniatis et al., 1982, Molecular Cloning (A Laboratory Manual),Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory pages 387 to 389] to the DNA sequencesencoding the light and heavy chain variable regions of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and6 (also including SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 9 for the synthetic human sequences)and which retain the antigen binding properties of those antibodies. Anexample of one such stringent hybridization condition is hybridizationat 4×SSC at 65° C., followed by a washing in 0.1×SSC at 65° C. for anhour. Alternatively an exemplary stringent hybridization condition is in50% formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C. Preferably, these hybridizing DNAsequences are at least about 18 nucleotides in length, i.e., about thesize of a CDR. Still other useful sequences are those DNA sequenceswhich are about 80% to about 99% homologous or identical with the DNAsequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, and 20 herein, according toany of the algorithms listed above, which encode sequences sharing thebiological activities or functions of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14and 21.

VII. Altered Immunoglobulin Coding Regions and Altered Antibodies

Altered immunoglobulin coding regions encode altered antibodies whichinclude engineered antibodies such as chimeric antibodies, humanized,reshaped and immunologically edited human antibodies. A desired alteredimmunoglobulin coding region contains CDR-encoding regions in the formof Fab regions that encode peptides having the antigen specificity ofthe anti-human α_(v)β₃ antibody, preferably a high affinity antibodysuch as provided by the present invention, inserted into an acceptorimmunoglobulin partner.

When the acceptor is an immunoglobulin partner, as defined above, itincludes a sequence encoding a second antibody region of interest, forexample an Fc region. Immunoglobulin partners may also include sequencesencoding another immunoglobulin to which the light or heavy chainconstant region is fused in frame or by means of a linker sequence.Engineered antibodies directed against functional fragments or analogsof the human α_(v)β₃ protein may be designed to elicit enhanced bindingwith the same antibody.

The immunoglobulin partner may also be associated with effector agentsas defined above, including non-protein carrier molecules, to which theimmunoglobulin partner may be operatively linked by conventional means.

Fusion or linkage between the immunoglobulin partners, e.g., antibodysequences, and the effector agent may be by any suitable means, e.g., byconventional covalent or ionic bonds, protein fusions, orhetero-bifunctional cross-linkers, e.g., carbodiimide, glutaraldehyde,and the like. Such techniques are known in the art and readily describedin conventional chemistry and biochemistry texts.

Additionally, conventional linker sequences which simply provide for adesired amount of space between the second immunoglobulin partner andthe effector agent may also be constructed into the alteredimmunoglobulin coding region. The design of such linkers is well knownto those of skill in the art.

In addition, signal sequences for the molecules of the invention may bemodified to enhance expression. For example the reshaped human antibodyhaving the signal sequence and CDRs derived from the mAb D12 heavy chainsequence, may have the original signal peptide replaced with anothersignal sequence, such as the Campath leader sequence [Page, M. J. etal., 1991, BioTechnology, 9:64-68; SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19].

An exemplary altered antibody, a reshaped human antibody, contains avariable heavy and the entire light chain peptide or protein sequencehaving the antigen specificity of mAb D12 fused to the constant heavyregions C_(II-1)-C_(II-3) derived from a second human antibody.

In still a further embodiment, the engineered antibody of the inventionmay have attached to it an additional agent. For example, the procedureof recombinant DNA technology may be used to produce an engineeredantibody of the invention in which the Fc fragment or CH2 CH3 domain ofa complete antibody molecule has been replaced by an enzyme or otherdetectable molecule (i.e., a polypeptide effector or reporter molecule).

Another desirable protein of this invention may comprise a completeantibody molecule, having full length heavy and light chains, or anydiscrete fragment thereof, such as the Fab or F(ab′)₂ fragments, a heavychain dimer, or any minimal recombinant fragments thereof such as anF_(v) or a single-chain antibody (SCA) or any other molecule with thesame specificity as the selected donor mAb D12. Such protein may be usedin the form of an altered antibody, or may be used in its unfused form.

Whenever the immunoglobulin partner is derived from an antibodydifferent from the donor antibody, e.g., any isotype or class ofimmunoglobulin framework or constant regions, or is selected by acomputer program as a consensus sequence, as defined above, anengineered antibody results. Engineered antibodies can compriseimmunoglobulin (Ig) constant regions and variable framework regions fromone source, e.g., the acceptor antibody or consensus sequences, and oneor more (preferably all) CDRs from the donor antibody, e.g., theanti-human α_(v)β₃ antibody described herein. In addition, alterations,e.g., deletions, substitutions, or additions, of the acceptor mAb lightand/or heavy variable domain framework region at the nucleic acid oramino acid levels, or the donor CDR regions may be made in order toretain donor antibody antigen binding specificity or to reduce potentialimmunogenicity.

Such engineered antibodies are designed to employ one (or both) of thevariable heavy and/or light chains of the human α_(v)β₃ mAb (optionallymodified as described) or one or more of the below-identified heavy orlight chain CDRs. The engineered antibodies of the invention areneutralizing, i.e., they desirably inhibit ligand binding to thevitronectin receptor in vitro and in vivo in animal models of diseasesmediated by the α_(v)β₃ receptor, e.g., restenosis.

Such engineered antibodies may include a reshaped human antibodycontaining the human heavy and light chain constant regions fused to thehuman α_(v)β₃ antibody functional fragments. A suitable human (or otheranimal) acceptor antibody may be one selected from a conventionaldatabase, e.g., the KABAT® database, Los Alamos database, and SwissProtein database, by homology to the nucleotide and amino acid sequencesof the donor antibody. Alternatively, a consensus sequence formed by allknown human sequences in the database of a subgroup closest to that ofthe donor antibody may be used to supply the framework regions. A humanantibody characterized by a homology to the framework regions of thedonor antibody (on an amino acid basis) may be suitable to provide aheavy chain constant region and/or a heavy chain variable frameworkregion for insertion of the donor CDRs. A suitable acceptor antibodycapable of donating light chain constant or variable framework regionsmay be selected in a similar manner. It should be noted that theacceptor antibody heavy and light chains are not required to originatefrom the same acceptor antibody.

Desirably the heterologous framework and constant regions are selectedfrom human immunoglobulin classes and isotypes, such as IgG (subtypes 1through 4), IgM, IgA and IgE. The Fc domains are not limited to nativesequences, but include mutant variants known in the art that alterfunction. For example, mutations have been described in the Fc domainsof certain IgG antibodies that reduce Fc-mediated complement and Fcreceptor binding [see, e.g., A. R. Duncan et al., 1988, Nature,332:563-564; A. R. Duncan and G. Winter, 1988, Nature, 332:738-740;M.-L. Alegre et al., 1992, J. Immunol., 148:3461-3468; M.-H. Tao et al.,1993, J. Exp. Med., 178:661-667; V. Xu et al, 1994, J. Biol. Chem.,269:3469-2374] and alter clearance rate [J.-K. Kim et al., 1994, Eur. J.Immunol., 24:542-548] and reduce structural heterogeneity [S. Angal etal., 1993, Mol. Immunol., 30: 105-108]. Also, other modifications arepossible such as oligomerization of the antibody by addition of thetailpiece segment of IgM and other mutations [R. I. F. Smith and S. L.Morrison, 1994, Biotechnology, 12:683-688; R. I. F. Smith et al., 1995,J. Immunol., 154: 2226-2236] or addition of the tailpiece segment of IgA[I. Kariv et al., 1996, J. Immunol., 157: 29-38]. However, the acceptorantibody need not comprise only human immunoglobulin protein sequences.For instance a gene may be constructed in which a DNA sequence encodingpart of a human immunoglobulin chain is fused to a DNA sequence encodinga non-immunoglobulin amino acid sequence such as a polypeptide effectoror reporter molecule.

One example of a particularly desirable altered antibody is a humanizedantibody containing all or a portion of the variable domain amino acidsequences of D12 and some portions of the donor antibody frameworkregions, or CDRs therefrom inserted onto the framework regions of aselected human antibody. This humanized antibody is directed againsthuman α_(v)β₃ receptor. Suitably, in these humanized antibodies one, twoor preferably three CDRs from the D12 antibody heavy chain and/or lightchain variable regions are inserted into the framework regions of aselected human antibody or consensus sequence, replacing the native CDRsof that latter antibody or consensus sequence.

Preferably, in a humanized antibody, the variable domains in both humanheavy and light chains have been engineered by one or more CDRreplacements. It is possible to use all six CDRs, or variouscombinations of less than the six CDRs. For example, it is possible toreplace the CDRs only in the human heavy chain, using as light chain theunmodified light chain from the human acceptor antibody. Stillalternatively, a compatible light chain may be selected from anotherhuman antibody by recourse to the conventional antibody databases. Theremainder of the engineered antibody may be derived from any suitableacceptor human immunoglobulin.

The altered antibody thus preferably has the structure of a naturalhuman antibody or a fragment thereof, and possesses the combination ofproperties required for effective therapeutic use, e.g., treatment ofhuman α_(v)β₃ receptor-mediated diseases in man, or for diagnostic uses.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that an alteredantibody may be further modified by changes in variable domain aminoacids without necessarily affecting the specificity and high affinity ofthe donor antibody (i.e., an analog). It is anticipated that heavy andlight chain amino acids may be substituted by other amino acids eitherin the variable domain frameworks or CDRs or both. Particularlypreferred is the immunological editing of such reconstructed sequencesas illustrated in the examples herein.

In addition, the variable or constant region may be altered to enhanceor decrease selective properties of the molecules of the instantinvention. Such properties can include, for example, dimerization,binding to Fc receptors, or the ability to bind and activate complement[see, e.g., Angal et al., 1993, Mol. Immunol, 30:105-108; Xu et al.,1994, J. Biol. Chem., 269:3469-3474; Winter et al., EP 307,434-B].

Such antibodies are useful in the prevention and treatment of humanα_(v)β₃ receptor-mediated disorders, as discussed below.

VIII. Production of Altered Antibodies and Engineered Antibodies

The resulting reshaped and engineered human, humanized and chimericantibodies of this invention can be expressed in recombinant host cells,e.g., COS, CHO or myeloma cells, by resort to recombinant DNA technologyusing genetic engineering techniques. The same or similar techniques mayalso be employed to generate other embodiments of this invention.

Briefly described, a conventional expression vector or recombinantplasmid is produced by placing these coding sequences for the alteredantibody in operative association with conventional regulatory controlsequences capable of controlling the replication and expression in,and/or secretion from, a host cell. Regulatory sequences includepromoter sequences, e.g., CMV promoter, and signal sequences, which canbe derived from other known antibodies. Similarly, a second expressionvector can be produced having a DNA sequence which encodes acomplementary antibody light or heavy chain. Preferably this secondexpression vector is identical to the first except insofar as the codingsequences and selectable markers are concerned, so to ensure as far aspossible that each polypeptide chain is functionally expressed.Alternatively, the heavy and light chain coding sequences for thealtered antibody may reside on a single vector.

A selected host cell is co-transfected by conventional techniques withboth the first and second vectors (or simply transfected by a singlevector) to create the transfected host cell of the invention comprisingboth the recombinant or synthetic light and heavy chains. Thetransfected cell is then cultured by conventional techniques to producethe engineered antibody of the invention. The production of the antibodywhich includes the association of both the recombinant heavy chain andlight chain is measured in the culture by an appropriate assay, such asELISA or RIA. Similar conventional techniques may be employed toconstruct other altered antibodies and molecules of this invention.

Suitable vectors for the cloning and subcloning steps employed in themethods and construction of the compositions of this invention may beselected by one of skill in the art. For example, the conventional pUCseries of cloning vectors, may be used. One vector used is pUC19, whichis commercially available from supply houses, such as Amersham(Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom) or Pharmacia (Uppsala, Sweden).Additionally, any vector which is capable of replicating readily, has anabundance of cloning sites and selectable genes (e.g., antibioticresistance), and is easily manipulated may be used for cloning. Thus,the selection of the cloning vector is not a limiting factor in thisinvention.

Similarly, the vectors employed for expression of the engineeredantibodies according to this invention may be selected by one of skillin the art from any conventional vectors. Preferred vectors include forexample plasmids pCD or pCN. The vectors also contain selectedregulatory sequences (such as CMV promoters) which direct thereplication and expression of heterologous DNA sequences in selectedhost cells. These vectors contain the above described DNA sequenceswhich code for the engineered antibody or altered immunoglobulin codingregion. In addition, the vectors may incorporate the selectedimmunoglobulin sequences modified by the insertion of desirablerestriction sites for ready manipulation.

The expression vectors may also be characterized by genes suitable foramplifying expression of the heterologous DNA sequences, e.g., themammalian dihydrofolate reductase gene (DHFR). Other preferable vectorsequences include a polyadenylation (poly A) signal sequence, such asfrom bovine growth hormone (BGH) and the betaglobin promoter sequence(betaglopro). The expression vectors useful herein may be synthesized bytechniques well known to those skilled in this art. The components ofsuch vectors, e.g. replicons, selection genes, enhancers, promoters,signal sequences and the like, may be obtained from commercial ornatural sources or synthesized by known procedures for use in directingthe expression and/or secretion of the product of the recombinant DNA ina selected host. Other appropriate expression vectors of which numeroustypes are known in the art for mammalian, bacterial, insect, yeast, andfungal expression may also be selected for this purpose.

The present invention also encompasses a cell transfected with arecombinant plasmid containing the coding sequences of the engineeredantibodies or altered immunoglobulin molecules thereof. Host cellsuseful for the cloning and other manipulations of these cloning vectorsare also conventional. However, most desirably, cells from variousstrains of E. coli are used for replication of the cloning vectors andother steps in the construction of altered antibodies of this invention.

Suitable host cells or cell lines for the expression of the engineeredantibody or altered antibody of the invention are preferably mammaliancells such as CHO, COS, a fibroblast cell (e.g., 3T3), and myeloidcells, and more preferably a CHO or a myeloid cell. Human cells may beused, thus enabling the molecule to be modified with human glycosylationpatterns. Alternatively, other eukaryotic cell lines may be employed.The selection of suitable mammalian host cells and methods fortransformation, culture, amplification, screening and product productionand purification are known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989,Molecular Cloning (A Laboratory Manual), 2nd edit., Cold Spring HarborLaboratory (New York).

Bacterial cells may prove useful as host cells suitable for theexpression of the recombinant Fabs of the present invention [see, e.g.,Plückthun, A., 1992, Immunol. Rev., 130:151-188]. The tendency ofproteins expressed in bacterial cells to be in an unfolded or improperlyfolded form or in a non-glycosylated form does not pose as great aconcern as Fabs are not normally glycosylated and can be engineered forexported expression thereby reducing the high concentration thatfacilitates misfolding. Nevertheless, any recombinant Fab produced in abacterial cell would have to be screened for retention of antigenbinding ability. If the molecule expressed by the bacterial cell wasproduced and exported in a properly folded form, that bacterial cellwould be a desirable host. For example, various strains of E. coli usedfor expression are well-known as host cells in the field ofbiotechnology. Various strains of B. subtilis, Streptomyces, otherbacilli and the like may also be employed in this method.

Where desired, strains of yeast cells known to those skilled in the artare also available as host cells, as well as insect cells, e.g.Drosophila and Lepidoptera and viral expression systems. See, e.g.Miller et al., 1986, Genetic Engineering, 8:277-298 and references citedtherein.

The general methods by which the vectors of the invention may beconstructed, the transfection methods required to produce the host cellsof the invention, and culture methods necessary to produce the alteredantibody of the invention from such host cells are all conventionaltechniques. Likewise, once produced, the altered antibodies of theinvention may be purified from the cell culture contents according tostandard procedures of the art, including ammonium sulfateprecipitation, affinity columns, column chromatography, gelelectrophoresis and the like. Such techniques are within the skill ofthe art and do not limit this invention.

Yet another method of expression of reshaped antibodies may utilizeexpression in a transgenic animal, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,873,316, incorporated herein by reference.

Once expressed by the desired method, the engineered antibody is thenexamined for in vitro activity by use of an appropriate assay. Presentlyconventional ELISA assay formats are employed to assess qualitative andquantitative binding of the altered antibody to the human α_(v)β³receptor. See, Example 3 below. Additionally, other in vitro assays(such as Example 12) and in vivo animal (such as Example 15) models mayalso be used to verify neutralizing efficacy prior to subsequent humanclinical studies performed to evaluate the persistence of the alteredantibody in the body despite the usual clearance mechanisms.

As one specific example of the production processes described above, ahumanized D12 antibody is generated and expressed as described in detailin Example 13 below.

IX. Therapeutic/Prophylactic Uses

This invention also relates to a method of treating humans experiencingsymptoms related to human α_(v)β₃ receptor-mediated disease, whichcomprises administering an effective dose of antibodies including one ormore of the altered antibodies described herein or fragments thereof.The antibodies of this invention are useful for treating diseaseswherein the underlying pathology is attributable to ligand whichinteracts with the vitronectin receptor. For instance, these antibodiesare useful as antitumor, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory andanti-metastatic agents, and are particularly useful in the treatment ofatherosclerosis, restenosis, cancer metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis,diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Similarly, these antibodies are useful for treatment of conditionswherein loss of the bone matrix creates pathology. Thus, the instantantibodies are useful for the treatment of osteoporosis,hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease, hypercalcemia of malignancy,osteolytic lesions produced by bone metastasis, bone loss due toimmobilization or sex hormone deficiency.

The altered antibodies and mAbs of this invention, which are specificagainst the α_(v)β₃ integrin receptor are useful therapeutics due totheir “long half-life” (˜21 days) and additional effector functions(e.g., Complement fixation). The α_(v)β₃ receptor expressed on bloodvessels provides an easy access with mAbs. In addition, these antibodiesof the present invention are useful in targeted drug delivery in whichcase they could enhance drug delivery (i.e., as immuno-conjugates, orimmuno-liposomes). Restenosis may be blocked either by blockingneointima formation; or by promoting remodeling. The vascular smoothmuscle cell (VSMC) migration is mediated via the α_(v)β₃ receptor whichis upregulated following vascular injury (documented by immunohistology)and osteopontin, a ligand of α_(v)β₃ is also upregulated followingvascular injury. Therefore, the antagonists of α_(v)β₃ receptor, i.e.,the antibodies and altered antibodies described herein can blockneointima formation and enhance favorable remodeling of the vessel.

Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation from apre-existing blood vessel in response to angiogenic stimuli. Theantibodies and compositions of this invention may also be used to treatdiseases having angiogenic components, including, without limitation,solid tumors, cancer metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronicinflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy and maculardegeneration. In cancer, treating angiogenesis represents targeting(treating) the host itself which is independent of the cancer cellphenotype. The compositions of this invention which are antagonists ofα_(v)β₃ receptor have efficacy against diseases with angiogeniccomponents because α_(v)β₃ is upregulated in the neovasculature duringangiogenesis. An anti-α_(v)β₃ mAb inhibits angiogenesis in the chickchorioallantoic membrane (CAM), promotes apoptosis in endothelial cellsand inhibits tumor growth in the human-SCID mouse model. Inhibition ofα_(v)β₃ prevents growth of neovasculature (no effect on mature vessels).

Thus, the therapeutic response induced by the use of the molecules ofthis invention is produced by the binding to the vitronectin receptorα_(v)β₃ and thus subsequently blocking disease progression. Thus, themolecules of the present invention, when in preparations andformulations appropriate for therapeutic use, are highly desirable forthose persons experiencing disorders mediated by the human α_(v)β₃receptor. For example, longer treatments may be desirable when treatingchronic diseases or the like. The dose and duration of treatment relatesto the relative duration of the molecules of the present invention inthe human circulation, and can be adjusted by one of skill in the artdepending upon the condition being treated and the general health of thepatient.

The altered antibodies, antibodies and fragments thereof of thisinvention may also be used alone or in conjunction with otherantibodies, particularly human or humanized or human antibodies reactivewith other epitopes on the vitronectin receptor as prophylactic agents.

The mode of administration of the therapeutic and prophylactic agents ofthe invention may be any suitable route which delivers the agent to thehost. The altered antibodies, antibodies, engineered antibodies, andfragments thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention areparticularly useful for parenteral administration, i.e., subcutaneously,intramuscularly, intravenously, or intranasally.

Therapeutic and prophylactic agents of the invention may be prepared aspharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount of thealtered antibody of the invention as an active ingredient in apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. An aqueous suspension or solutioncontaining the antibody, preferably buffered at physiological pH, in aform ready for injection is preferred. The compositions for parenteraladministration will commonly comprise a solution of the engineeredantibody of the invention or a cocktail thereof dissolved in anpharmaceutically acceptable carrier, preferably an aqueous carrier. Avariety of aqueous carriers may be employed, e.g., 0.4% saline, 0.3%glycine, and the like. These solutions are sterile and generally free ofparticulate matter. These solutions may be sterilized by conventional,well known sterilization techniques (e.g., filtration). The compositionsmay contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as requiredto approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting andbuffering agents, etc.

The concentration of the antibody of the invention in suchpharmaceutical formulation can vary widely, i.e., from less than about0.5%, usually at or at least about 1%, to as much as 15 or 20% by weightand will be selected primarily based on fluid volumes, viscosities,etc., according to the particular mode of administration selected.

Thus, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention for intramuscularinjection could be prepared to contain 1 mL sterile buffered water, andbetween about 1 ng to about 100 mg of an engineered antibody of theinvention. Desirably the compositions may contain about 50 ng to about80 mg of antibody, or more preferably, about 5 mg to about 75 mg ofantibody according to this invention. Similarly, a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the invention for intravenous infusion could be made upto contain about 250 ml of sterile Ringer's solution, and about 1 toabout 75 and preferably 5 to about 50 mg/ml of an engineered antibody ofthe invention. Actual methods for preparing parenterally administrablecompositions are well known or will be apparent to those skilled in theart and are described in more detail in, for example, Remington'sPharmaceutical Science, 15th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa.

It is preferred that the therapeutic and prophylactic agents of theinvention, when in a pharmaceutical preparation, be present in unit doseforms. The appropriate therapeutically effective dose can be determinedreadily by those of skill in the art. To effectively treat aninflammatory disorder in a human or other animal, one dose ofapproximately 0.1 mg to approximately 20 mg per 70 kg body weight of aprotein or an antibody of this invention should be administeredparenterally, preferably i.v. or i.m. (intramuscularly). Such dose may,if necessary, be repeated at appropriate time intervals selected asappropriate by a physician.

The antibodies, altered antibodies or fragments thereof described hereincan be lyophilized for storage and reconstituted in a suitable carrierprior to use. This technique has been shown to be effective withconventional immunoglobulins and art-known lyophilization andreconstitution techniques can be employed.

In still an alternative therapeutic regimen, the alter antibodies andmonoclonal antibodies of this invention can be used in a combinedtherapy for the diseases described above with small molecule non-peptideantagonists of the vitronectin receptor. Such small moleculeantagonists, the dosages and administration regimens are described in,e.g., International PCT patent publication No. WO96/00730, publishedJan. 11, 1996 and International PCT patent publication No. WO96/00574,published Jan. 11, 1996, both incorporated by reference herein. Suchcombination therapy may involve administering an antibody of thisinvention to a patient for a short period, i.e., several months to sixmonths, followed by chronic therapeutic treatment with the smallmolecule antagonists for a longer period of time. In another embodiment,this embodiment of a method of treatment may involve alternatingtreatment periods of administering immunotherapy with the antibodies ofthis invention followed by small non-peptide antagonist treatments. Suchcombined therapeutic methods would employ the same dosages describedabove for the immunotherapy and the dosages specified in the above-citedapplications for the non-peptide therapies.

X. Diagnostic Uses

The altered antibodies and engineered antibodies of this invention mayalso be used in diagnostic regimens, such as for the determination ofhuman α_(v)β₃ receptor-mediated disorders or tracking progress oftreatment of such disorders. As diagnostic reagents, these alteredantibodies may be conventionally labeled for use in ELISAs and otherconventional assay formats for the measurement of human α_(v)β₃ receptorlevels in serum, plasma or other appropriate tissue or the release byhuman cells in culture. The nature of the assay in which the alteredantibodies are used are conventional and do not limit this disclosure.

The following examples illustrate various aspects of this inventionincluding the construction of exemplary engineered antibodies andexpression thereof in suitable vectors and host cells, and are not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of this invention. All amino acids areidentified by conventional three letter or single letter codes. Allnecessary restriction enzymes, plasmids, and other reagents andmaterials were obtained from commercial sources unless otherwiseindicated. All general cloning ligation and other recombinant DNAmethodology were as performed in T. Maniatis et al. or Sambrook et al.,both cited above.

EXAMPLE 1 Purification of α_(v)β₃, α_(v)β₅, and α_(v)β₃ Receptors

The human α_(v)β₃ protein receptor and other protein receptors werepurified from human placenta as follows. Placentas were frozenimmediately after birth, then partially thawed and cut into small chunkswhich were ground to fine pieces using a commercial meat grinder.Usually five to ten placentas were ground at one time; the pieces wereplaced into 50 ml centrifuge tubes (6 tubes per placenta) and storedfrozen at −20° C. until use.

An immunoaffinity column for each integrin was prepared using individualmonoclonal antibodies. Anti-α_(v)β₃ mAb (LM609) was purified from mouseascites purchased from Chemicon International, Inc. (Temecula, Calif.).Monoclonal antibodies 23C6 or D12 were purified from hybridoma media.Anti-α_(v)β₅ mAb (P1F6) and anti-α_(v)β₁ mAb (mAb16) were purchased fromBecton Dickinson. LM609 or 23C6 or D12 (50 mg), P1F6 (25 mg), and mAb16(25 mg) were immobilized on AffiGel 10 (BioRad) at 5 mg of mAb/ml ofresin following the manufacturer's instruction. In order to remove thenonspecific binding proteins, ˜20 ml of AffiGel 10 was treated with 1 MTris HCl pH 7.5 and packed in an Econo Column. The immobilized mAb'swere packed in EconoColumn (BioRad), 10 ml column for LM609 or 23C6 orD12, 5 ml one for P1F6 and 5 ml one for mAb16. The columns wereconnected in tandem: the first column containing AffiGel 10 fornonspecific binding, the second column containing α_(v)β₃ mAb, the thirdcolumn containing α_(v)β₁ mAb and the fourth column containing α_(v)β₅mAb. The columns were equilibrated with buffer T (50 mM TrisHCl, pH 7.5,0.1 M NaCl, 2 mM CaCl, 1% octyl glucoside) in the coldroom.

The ground placenta (9 tubes) was partially thawed and dispersedthoroughly using spatula in buffer T+6% octyl glucoside (finalconcentration of OG was 3%). The mixture was stored for 5 hours orovernight at 4° C. The bulky solution was transferred to 250 mlcentrifuge bottles and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for one hour. The clearsupernatant was transferred to 50 ml centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at20,000 rpm for one hour. The clear supernatant was combined and loadedwith the flow-rate of 30 ml/hour to the columns arranged andpre-equilibrated in buffer T in tandem mode as described above. At theend of loading, the columns were washed with >250 ml of buffer T.Individual columns were then separated and the bound integrins wereeluted with 0.2 M acetic acid until pH of the eluate reached <3.0. Theeluted integrin solutions were quickly neutralized to >pH 7.0 with 1MTrizma base. The column was also neutralized by washing with buffer T.

The eluted integrin solutions (˜25 ml) were concentrated to ˜1 ml usingAquaside III (Calbiochem) in a dialysis bag of 5000 cut off. Theconcentrated integrins were dialyzed overnight against buffer T. Thefinal yield was approximately 1 mg for each integrin per placenta.

EXAMPLE 2 Generation of Murine Monoclonal Antibodies

Murine mAbs with anti-α_(v)β₃ activity were generated by classicalhybridoma technology according to Lane et al, 1986, Methods in Enzymol.,121: 183. Generally, 20-50 μg of α_(v)β₃ receptor was administered ip,sc, and iv to two Balb/c mice. Sera from the immunized animals weretested for their anti-α_(v)β₃ binding and neutralizing activity inassays of Examples 3, 4 and 5 below. Mouse spleen from mice showingpositive sera was fused with a mouse myeloma cell SP2 according to theprocedures of Lane et al, cited above. Seventeen resulting hybridomacell lines, secreting potential anti-human α_(v)β₃ protein antibodieswere obtained. These anti-α_(v)β₃ mAbs were generated and isolated fromculture by conventional methods and tested in assays of the followingexamples.

Table I is a summary of much of the early data collected from Examples3-12 below on the murine mAb LM609 of the prior art and murine mAbs ofthis invention. The data showed that mAb D12 was a mAb with favorableactivity profile. The mAb D12 that functioned adequately in these testswas then selected for humanization as described in Example 13, andfurther tested in animals models of Examples 16 and 17. The D12 mAbcross-reacts with rabbit, therefore only rabbit models of restenosis,angiogenesis or atherosclerosis are applicable for testing efficacy.

TABLE I mAbs: 293 293 294 23 Profiles LM609 D12 93 601 7,50 346 α_(v)β₃ELISA + + + + + + α₅β₁ and α_(v)β₅ − − − − − − ELISA αIIbβ3 ELISA − − −− − + Specificity α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₃ β₃Neutralization 3+ 3+ 3+ 3+ + +/− Immuno o- 3+ 3+ 3+ + 3+ 2+ histologyInhib. Adhes. + + + + + −* HEK293 (V_(n)) Echistatin 3+ 3+ 3+ 2+ N.D. −binding HEK293 FLOW Hu- +/+ +/+ +/+ +/+ +/+ +/+ SMC/R-SMC + rat/ mouseInhib (%) R- 43 66 83 33 60 75 SMC (50 mg/ml)

EXAMPLE 3 Elsia Binding Assay with α_(v)β₃

Binding of the various antibody constructs to purified human placentaα_(v)β₃ receptor protein as antigen (receptor either bound to the plateor to the beads via biotin-avidin) was measured in a standard solidphase ELISA.

Antigen diluted in 0.1 M CO₃ pH 9.2 was adsorbed onto polystyreneround-bottom microplates (Dynatech, Immunolon II) for 18 hours. Wellswere then washed one time with phosphate buffered saline (PBS)containing 0.05% Tween 20. Antibodies (50 μl/well) were diluted tovarying concentrations in PBS/0.05% Tween 20 and added to the antigencoated wells for two hours at room temperature. Plates were washed fourtimes with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20, using a Titertek 320microplate washer, followed by addition of HRP-anti-mouse IgG (100μl/well) diluted 1:10,000.

After washing five times, o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (OPD) (1mg/ml) was added and plates were incubated an additional 10 minutes. Thereaction was stopped by addition of 0.1M NaF and absorbance read at 450nm using a Dynatech MR 7000 ELISA reader.

EXAMPLE 4 Elsia Binding Assays with α_(v)β₅, α_(v)β₁ and αIIbβ3

MAbs positive in the assay of Example 3 were screened using the sameprotocols except that the antigen was another human receptor, α_(v)β₅,α_(v)β₁ or α_(IIb)β₃. These assays were run to determine selectivity forthe heterodimeric antigen α_(v)β₃, as opposed to selectivity for an α ora β subunit only. The results of these assays are reported in Table Ibelow for all mAbs of Example 2 and for LM609.

EXAMPLE 5 Neutralization Elisa Assay

Vitronectin receptor α_(v)β₃ (0.2 ug/well), purified from humanplacenta, was added to 96-well Elisa plates (Corning, New York, N.Y.).The plates were incubated overnight at 4° C. At the time of experiment,the wells were aspirated and incubated in 0.1 ml of Buffer A (50 mMTris, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM MnCl₂, pH 7.4)containing 3% bovine serum albumen (BSA) for 1 hour at room temperatureto block nonspecific binding. After aspirating the blocking solution,various concentrations of mAbs were added to the wells and followed bythe addition of 5 nM biotinylated fibrinogen in 0.1 ml of Buffer Acontaining 0.1% BSA. The plates were incubated for 1 hour at roomtemperature.

Following the incubation the wells were aspirated completely and washedtwice with 100 μl of binding buffer. Bound fibrinogen was quantitated byaddition of 0.1 ml of an anti-biotin antibody conjugated to alkalinephosphatase (1:2000 dilution, Sigma), followed by washing twice withbinding buffer and the addition of 100 μl of the substrate p-nitrophenylphosphate prepared daily according to the manufacturer's instructions(alkaline phosphate substrate kit, Bio-Rad). The kinetics of colordevelopment were followed using a microtiter plate reader.

This assay detected inhibition of binding between purified α_(v)β₃receptor and its ligand, fibronectin. The results of these assays arereported in Table I above for all mAbs of Example 2 and for LM609.

EXAMPLE 6 Flow Cytometry

1. Characterization of the Murine mAbs

To characterize several of the murine mAbs obtained as described abovewith the known murine mAb LM609, this assay was performed to detectbinding to the native cell surface receptor and speciescross-reactivity.

Briefly described, cells are washed in 10 ml cold PBS and resuspended incold PBS to give between 1×10⁷ to 2×10⁷ cells/ml. Aliquots of 0.1ml/well are added to 96 well “V” bottom plate. Then, 25 μl of primaryantibody is added. The plates are shaken for five minutes, and thenincubated on ice for 25 minutes. The plates are centrifuged for fiveminutes and flicked. Thereafter the contents of each well is resuspendedin 50 μl cold PBS, and again centrifuged and flicked. The wash isrepeated and the contents resuspended to 50 μl cold PBS. Fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled secondary antibody (50 μl) is added toeach well. The plates are shaken for five minutes, and incubated on icein the dark for 20 minutes. One μL of propidium iodide (PI) (1mg/ml)/PBS is added to a final concentration of 10 μg/ml (1 μg in 0.1ml). Incubation is continued for five minutes, followed by centrifugingand washing twice in cold PBS.

Cells are resuspended to 0.1 ml cold PBS, and transferred to 12×75 clearFalcoln tubes. Volume is adjusted to 1 ml, and cells are held cold inthe dark until read by FLOW.

The secondary antibody:Goat Anti-Mouse IgG,M,A is labelled with FITC1:25/PBS-0.2% BSA-0.1% NaN₃ (Sigma F1010 lot #045H8822) and held cold inthe dark until read by FLOW.

The results of these assays are reported in Table I above for all mAbsof Example 2 and for LM609. Flow cytometry using human and rabbit smoothmuscle cells (SMC) indicated that both mAbs LM609 and D12 have greatcapability to bind to a native receptor on the cell surface.

2. Characterization of the Murine and Humanized Antibodies

The murine and humanized mAbs of Example 13 were tested by flowcytometry using methods as substantially set forth above for theircapability to detect α_(v)β₃ receptor on viable human umbilical veinendothelial cells (HUVEC), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) andrabbit smooth muscle cells (RSMC) cells. FIG. 8 indicates that theaffinities of the murine D12 mAb, and the humanized HZ-D12 IgG, andHZ-D12 IgG₄ (see Example 13) are comparable on the human cells (HUVECand HEK 293). The humanized mAbs lost some of their affinity when testedon the rabbit SMC. This result is expected as D12 mabs have a 10 foldhigher affinity against human α_(v)β₃ than against the rabbit receptor.

EXAMPLE 7 Immunohistology

A. Immunohistology was performed on tissues expressing high levels ofreceptors, such as human osteoclastoma. Data from immunohistology (humanosteoclastoma) showed that D12 may have slightly better detectioncapability to LM609. See Table I.

B. Target Validation

Subsequent immunohistology on other human tumor tissue as indicated inTable II showed that human tumors express α_(v)β₃ receptor and thereforrepresent good targets for immune therapy with the humanized antibodiesand other compositions of this invention. The D12 mAbs, including thehumanized mAbs of Example 13, also tested positive on a human bloodvessel. In Table II below, (+) indicates the detection of a ligand,e.g., the α_(v)β₃ receptor for the mAb in the tissue; (−) indicates theabsence of such a ligand.

TABLE II Human Tissue: D12mAb osteoclastoma +++ normal skin (adult) −normal skin (close to melanoma tumor) + metastatic melanoma (TM) +++melanoma cells (from tumor biopsy) + lymph node met (melanoma) (LNM) +++metastatic melanoma (MM) +/− lung carcinoma (LR) + colorectalcarcinoma + metastatic squamous tumor (MSC) +++

EXAMPLE 8 Biacore to Determine Affinity to the Receptor

1. Affinity Measurements for D12 and LM609

A BIAcore analysis (Pharmacia) was performed to measure binding affinityof mAbs D12 and LM609 (6 nM) with immobilized α_(v)β₃. The interactionsof α_(v)β₃ with D12 and LM609 were studied using BIAcore technology byimmobilization of the receptor onto the sensor surface, and passingsolutions of the mAbs over this surface. Descriptions of theinstrumentation and sensor surfaces are described in [Brigham-Burke,Edwards and O'Shannessy, 1992, Analytical Biochem., 205:125-131]. Theα_(v)β₃ was immobilized by inserting the α_(v)β₃ into a phospholipidvesicle and producing a hybrid bilayer membrane on a hydrophobic sensorsurface. A more complete description of generation of hybrid bilayermembranes on BIAcore sensor surfaces is provided in Plant et al, 1995,Analyt. Biochem., 226:342-348. Samples of the mAbs were passed over thissurface and the rates at which they bound and then dissociated from thesurface were measured and analyzed using software provided with theinstrument.

FIG. 3 is a graph representing this data. Kinetic rate constants andcalculated affinity constant (K_(D)) were derived from the analysis ofthree mAb concentrations (100, 25, 6 nM) performed in triplicate. TheBIAcore data showed that the binding affinity (K_(D)) of D12 is 530 pM,which is comparable to 460 pM for LM609.

2. Affinity Measurements of Murine and Humanized mAbs

The murine D12 mAb has been humanized as described in detail in Examples13 and 14 below. Humanized IgG, and IgG₄ HZ-D12 antibodies weregenerated as described in those examples.

Affinity measurements of murine D12 and the humanized mAbs weredetermined by BIAcore as described in part A above. The results reportedin Table III indicate that the class switching of the humanized D12 mAbshad no measurable effect. The data indicate that upon humanization theaffinity of the D12 has not been altered.

TABLE III calc. K_(D) (nM) mAb anti-α_(v)β₃ murine D12 1.3 HZD12-IgG₁1.0 HZD12-IgG₄ 1.1 murine LM609 3.8

EXAMPLE 9 Binding and Competition with LM609 and Backup mAbs

A. LM609 was labeled (ORIGEN-TAG labeled). ORIGEN is anelectrochemiluminescent moiety which can detect and quantitate by thewell-known ORIGEN analysis. The anti-α_(v)β₃ binding of LM609 wascompeted with other anti-α_(v)β₃ mAbs of Example 2. This assay testsantibodies for the ability to prevent 1 μg/ml of LM609 from binding 1μg/ml biotin-labeled α_(v)β₃ in ORIGEN. The antibodies studied are D12and the backup antibodies listed in Table 1.

The results displayed in FIG. 2 illustrate the binding of mAbs toα_(v)β₃ receptor via Origen for D12 and LM609, with Mu19 (an IgG_(2a))as a control. These results showed that 1 μg/ml of tag-labeled LM609shows 90% inhibition when competed with 10 μg/ml and 70% inhibition whencompeted with 1 μg/ml of D12 mAbs. These results suggest that D12 mAbbinds to a similar epitope as LM609 on the receptor. This data indicatethat D12 has a higher binding activity than LM609.

B. The results of FIG. 4 illustrate comparative binding of the D12 andother mAbs of Example 2 in competition with LM609 for μg/ml α_(v)β₃ inOrigen. The antibodies listed in Table I showed that the binding epitopeon the α_(v)β₃ receptor is different from LM609 and D12. For example,mAb 346 inhibited SMC and showed good flow and immunohistology profiles(Table I), but does not compete with LM609.

C. FIG. 6 also demonstrates the binding affinities of these antibodies.Twenty-five microliters of α_(v)β₃-biotin and 25 μl of unlabeled LM609or D12 were mixed for 30 minutes. Twenty-five μl of Tag-LM609 was addedfor 30 minutes, followed by 50 μl of 0.6 ng/ml streptavidin magneticbeads for 15 minutes. The mixture was then read on an ORIGEN analyzer.The results are depicted in the bar graph of FIG. 6. D12 showed aconsistently higher binding affinity for the receptor than LM609.

D. FIG. 7 illustrates another assay in which inhibition of binding of 1μg/ml D12 to 1 μg/ml α_(v)β₃ receptor was determined by preincubatingwith LM609 or D12. Again D12 was shown to have higher binding affinitythan LM609.

EXAMPLE 10 Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell (SMC) Migration Assay

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration from the media into the wound area toinitiate growth of the neointima is an essential remodeling responsefollowing vascular injury. Inhibition of SMC migration attenuatesneointima formation. Vascular SMC migration is mediated via the humanα_(v)β₃ receptor, which is expressed in VSMC and upregulated followingvascular injury. Osteopontin, a ligand of the human α_(v)β₃ receptor, isupregulated following angioplasty and promotes VSMC migration via theintegrin. This experiment was performed to demonstrate the ability of anantibody to human α_(v)β₃ to inhibit VSMC migration in vitro.

Human or rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells were used. Cell migration wasmonitored in a Transwell cell culture chamber by using a polycarbonatemembrane with pores of 8 um (Costar). The lower surface of the filterwas coated with vitronectin or osteopontin. Cells were suspended inDifco's minimal essential medium (DMEM) supplemented with 0.2% BSA at aconcentration of 2.5-5.0×10⁶ cells/niL, and were pretreated with testantibody at various concentrations for 20 minutes at 20° C. The solventalone was used as control. 0.2 mL of the cell suspension was placed inthe upper compartment of the chamber. The lower compartment contained0.6 mL of DMEM supplemented with 0.2% BSA. Incubation was carried out at37° C. in an atmosphere of 95% air/5% CO₂ for 24 hours.

After incubation, the non-migrated cells on the upper surface of thefilter were removed by gentle scraping. The filter was then fixed inmethanol and stained with 10% Giemsa stain. Migration was measuredeither by a) counting the number of cells that had migrated to the lowersurface of the filter or by b) extracting the stained cells with 10%acetic acid followed by determining the absorbance at 600 nM.

Inhibition of SMC migration (human and rabbit) showed that LM609 is morepotent than D12. See Table I.

In a subsequent assay, and prior to testing the efficacy of the murinemAb D12 and the humanized HZ-D12 (IgG,) of Example 13 in the rabbitmodel of restenosis, these mAbs were again tested for inhibition ofrabbit SMC migration. The results illustrated in FIG. 9 indicate thatthe murine D12 has higher potency in comparison to its humanized HZ-D12(IgG₁) version.

EXAMPLE 11 HEK293 Cell Adhesion to Determine Inhibition of Adhesion

Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cells) were obtained from ATCC(Catalog No. CRL 1573). Cells were grown in Earl's minimal essentialmedium (EMEM) medium containing Earl's salts, 10% fetal bovine serum(FBS), 1% glutamine and 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin.

A 3.2 kb EcoRl-KpnI fragment of the α_(v) subunit and a 2.4 kb XbaI-XhoIfragment of the β₃ subunit were inserted into the EcoRI-EcoRV cloningsites of the pCDN vector which contains a CMV promoter and a G418selectable marker by blunt end ligation. For stable expression, 80×10⁶HEK 293 cells were electrotransformed with α_(v)β₃ constructs (20 μg DNAof each subunit) using a Gene Pulser [P. Hensley et al., 1994, J. Biol.Chem., 269:23949-23958] and plated in 100 mm plates (5×10⁵ cells/plate).After 48 hours, the growth medium was supplemented with 450 μg/mlGeneticin (G418 Sulfate, GIBCO-BRL, Bethesda, Md.). The cells weremaintained in selection medium until the colonies were large enough tobe assayed.

Corning 96-well ELISA plates were precoated overnight at 4° C. with 0.1ml of human vitronectin (0.2 μg/ml in RPMI medium). At the time of theexperiment, the plates were washed once with RPMI medium and blockedwith 3.5% BSA in RPMI medium for 1 hour at room temperature. Transfected293 cells were resuspended in RPMI medium, supplemented with 20 mMHepes, pH 7.4 and 0.1% BSA at a density of 0.5×10⁶ cells/ml. 0.1 ml ofcell suspension was added to each well and incubated for 1 hour at 37°C., in the presence or absence of various α_(v)β₃ antagonists. Followingincubation, 0.025 ml of a 10% formaldehyde solution, pH 7.4, was addedand the cells were fixed at room temperature for 10 minutes. The plateswere washed 3 times and 0.2 ml of RPMI medium and the adherent cellswere stained with 0.1 ml of 0.5% toluidine blue for 20 minutes at roomtemperature.

Excess stain was removed by extensive washing with deionized water. Thetoluidine blue incorporated into cells was eluted by the addition of 0.1ml of 50% ethanol containing 50 mM HCl. Cell adhesion was quantitated atan optical density of 600 nm on a microtiter plate reader (TitertekMultiskan MC, Sterling, Va.).

The neutralization of receptor inhibition of cell adhesion showed thatD12, other back-up MABS of Example 2, and LM609 inhibit cell adhesion(see Table I and FIG. 5).

EXAMPLE 12 In Vivo Chick Embryo Chorio-Allantoic Membrane (CAM) Assayfor Angiogenesis

The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to assessthe role of α_(v)β₃ antagonists on angiogenesis. The human α_(v)β₃protein is expressed and upregulated in the vasculature duringangiogenesis. Blockade of the human α_(v)β₃ receptor would inhibitendothelial cell (EC) migration, a key step in the angiogenic processand promotes EC apoptosis in neovessels without affecting mature bloodvessels. LM609 or D12 inhibits angiogenesis induced by β-fibroblastgrowth factor (β-FGF) or spontaneously on the CAM of growing embryo. Thekey features in the procedure for the CAM assay are described below:

The Cam assay is performed with the CAM of 10 day old fertilized chickeggs. 5 mm diameter Whatman #1 filters are soaked in a 3 mg/ml cortisonesolution (made in 95% ethanol), and air dried. Cortisone is used todecrease the inflammatory response to the filters. Filters are saturatedin 1-6 ug/ml solution of β-FGF to stimulate angiogenesis (Hepes bufferedsaline solution (HBSS) is used as a buffer control) and placed on anavascular zone in the CAM.

LM609 or D12 (˜100 ug) are applied in a volume of <20 μl to the filterdiscs on days 0, 1, 2 and 3 after β-FGF stimulation. On day 4 CAMs aredissected out and angiogenesis is quantitated by counting the number ofvessel bifurcations under the filter, by using a stereomicroscope.

This assay demonstrates a positive correlation between the bindingaffinity to the receptor and inhibition of EC migration. This assay,while quite difficult to perform, showed that the human α_(v)β₃ receptorplays a role in angiogenesis. The anti-α_(v)β₃ antibodies of thisinvention are shown to inhibit β-FGF induced angiogenesis in this assay.See Table I.

EXAMPLE 13 Generating Humanized D12

A. Generating Heavy and Light Chain Variable Regions

A humanization strategy was adopted to obtain a maximally humanized mAbthat retained full antigen binding avidity. The cDNA of the variableheavy chain (VH) and variable light chain (VK) of murine mAb D12 werecloned and sequenced. The sequence of VHD12 is shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1and 2, with the CDRs identified as described and the sequence of VKD12is shown in SEQ ID NOS: 6 and 7 with the CDRs identified.

Following cDNA cloning and sequence analysis, VH D12 and VK D12 werefound to be most similar to Kabat VH subgroup I [SEQ ID NO: 3] and KabatVK subgroup III [SEQ ID NO: 8], respectively. Humanized VH and VLregions were synthesized by combining the framework regions of the humanV region consensus sequences together with the CDR regions of D12.

Molecular modeling of D12 using known crystal structures reveals certainVH and VL framework residues that can make contact with CDR loops, andthereby influence their conformation. Such framework residues cantherefore directly contribute to the formation of a particular antigenspecificity. Seven such murine VH framework residues and three murine VKframework residues were introduced into the human consensus frameworkregions, resulting in D12HZHC 1-0 [SEQ ID NO: 4 and 5] and D12HZLC 1-0[SEQ ID NO: 9 and 10].

B. α_(v)β₃ D12 MAb Heavy and Light Chain cDNA Sequence Analysis

Total RNA was purified by using TRIzol Reagent (Life Technologies Cat. #15596-026) according to manufacturer's protocol. RNA was precipitatedwith isopropanol and dissolved in diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) treatedwater. Poly A⁺ RNA was isolated using the Poly-A Quik mRNA IsolationKit. (Stratagene Cat. # 200349) according to manufacturer's protocol.

Ten aliquots of 100 ng of RNA were reverse transcribed with a RT-PCR kitper the manufacturer's instructions (Boehringer Mannheim Cat. No.1483-188) using a dT oligo for priming. For the heavy chain, PCRamplifications of 5 RNA/DNA hybrids were carried out for 25 cycles usinga mouse IgG, hinge primer 5′ TCT-TGT-CCA-CCT-TGG-TGC-TGC-TG 3′ [SEQ IDNO: 22] and a heavy chain degenerate primer based on the N-terminalprotein sequence 5′ (G/C)(A/T)(G/A)-GT(C/T)-CA(G/A)-CT(G/T/C)-CA(A/G)-CA3′ [SEQ ID NO: 23].

Similarly, for the light chain, PCR amplifications of five RNA/DNAhybrids were carried out for 25 cycles using a mouse kappa primer 5′GCA-CCT-CCA-GAT-GTT-AAC-TGC 3′ [SEQ ID NO: 24] and a primer based on theN-terminal protein sequence 5′ GAC-ATT-GTG-CTG-ACT-CAG-TCT-CCA-GCC-A 3′[SEQ ID NO: 25]. The PCR DNA was analyzed on a 0.8% agarose gel. PCRinserts of the appropriate size, i.e., ˜700 bp for the heavy chain and˜700 bp for the light chain were sequenced by a modification of theSanger method.

The sequence of all 10 of the heavy and light chains were compared togenerate a consensus D12 heavy chain variable region sequence,illustrated in SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5 and consensus D12 light chainvariable region sequence, illustrated in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10. In SEQ IDNOS: 4, 5, 9 and 10, the CDRs are identified; and the first 17 bases ofDNA sequence for both the heavy and light chains are PCR primergenerated. However, the translated protein sequence is exact.

C. Humanization of D12

The humanized D12 antibody as described herein consists of thesynthetic, consensus heavy chain D12HZHC 1-0 [SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5] andthe synthetic, consensus light chain D12HZLC 1-0 [SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10].The antibody was constructed as follows.

i. Construction of D12HZHC 1-0

A synthetic variable region humanized heavy chain was designed using aconsensus human subgroup I framework as defined by Kabat and the D12murine heavy chain CDRs described previously. Seven murine frameworkamino acids substitutions which might influence CDR presentation wereintroduced at AA 28, 48, 67, 68, 70, 72 and 74 of SEQ ID NO: 5. Fouroverlapping synthetic oligonucleotides were generated which encode thefollowing sequences:

SBA885: [SEQ ID NO: 26] TGCAACTAGT GCAGTCTGGA GCTGAGGTGA AGAAGCCTGGGGCCTCAGTG AAGGTATCCT GCAAAGCTTC TGGTTATGCA TTCACTAGCT ACAACATGTA;SBA886: [SEQ ID NO: 27] TTGCCCTTGA ATTTCTGGTT GTAGAAAGTA TCACCATTGTAAGGATCAAT ATATCCAATC CACTCTAGAC CCTGTCCAGG GGCCTGCCGC ACCCAGTACATGTTGTAGCT AGTG; SBA887: [SEQ ID NO: 28] CTACAACCAG AAATTCAAGGGCAAGGCCAC ATTGACTGTC GACAAGTCCA CCAGCACAGC CTACATGGAA CTCAGCAGCCTGAGATCTGA GGACACTGCA GT; and SBA888: [SEQ ID NO: 29] CCAGGGTACCTTGGCCCCAG TAAGCAAAAC TACCGTAGTT CTGTCTTGCA CAGTAATAGA CTGCAGTGTCCTCAGATCTC AGGCTGCTG.

When annealed and extended, the oligonucleotide sequences code for aminoacids representing the region of the humanized heavy chain variableregion being altered. SEQ ID NOS: 11 and 12, respectively, are the DNAand amino acid sequences of the intermediate of the synthetic heavychain, i.e., representing the region of the D12 heavy chain variableregion being altered. This synthetic gene was then amplified using PCRprimers SBA883: TGCAACTAGT GCAGTCTGGA GCTGAGGT [SEQ ID NO: 30] andSBA884: CCAGGGTACC TTGGCCCCAG [SEQ ID NO: 31] and ligated into thepCR2000 vector (TA cloning kit, Invitrogen, Cat. No. K2000-01), andisolated after a SpeI, KpnI restriction digest.

This DNA fragment was ligated into the vector F9HZHC 1 -1 restrictiondigested with SpeI and KpnI. F9HZHC1-1 is a variant of plasmids pCDN [A.Nambi et al, 1994, Mol. Cell. Biochem., 131:75-85] and pPHZHC2-3pcd[International patent publication No. WO94/05690]. These pCD variantplasmid vectors contain, in general, a beta lactamase gene, an SV40origin of replication, a cytomegalovirus promoter sequence, a selectedhumanized heavy chain, a polyA signal for bovine growth hormone, abetaglobin promoter, a dihydrofolate reductase gene and another BGHsequence polyA signal in a pUC19 background. F9HZHC1-1 further containsthe Campath signal sequence including the first 3 amino acids of themature heavy chain, the remainder of a human consensus framework 4, andthe human IgG, constant region. The F9HZHC 1-1 vector contains a singleamino acid mutation of the pFHZHC2-3pcd vector in which the finalresidue of framework 2 (amino acid 49 reported in that internationalapplication) was mutated from Ser to Ala. When transfected and culturedin a host cell, the resulting vector pD12HZHC 1-0pcd produces humanizedheavy chain D12HZHC 1-0 shown in SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5.

ii. Construction of D12HZLC 1-0

A synthetic variable region humanized light chain was designed using aconsensus human subgroup III kappa framework as defined by Kabat and theD12murine light chain CDRs described previously. Three framework aminoacids substitutions which might influence CDR presentation were made atAA residues 1, 49 and 60 [SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10]. Four overlappingsynthetic oligonucleotides were generated:

SBA1327: [SEQ ID NO: 32] GACATAGTAC TGACTCAGTC TCCAGGCACC CTGTCTTTGTCTCCAGGAGA AAGAGCCACC CTTTCCTGCA GGGCCAGCCA AAGTATTAGC AACCACCTACACTGGTAT; SBA1328: [SEQ ID NO: 33] GCCACTGAAC CTGGAGGGGA TCCCAGAGATGGACTGGGAA GCATACTTGA TGAGAAGCCG CGGAGCCTGG CCAGGTTTTT GTTGATACCAGTGTAGGTGG TTGCTAATAC TTTG; SBA1329: [SEQ ID NO: 34] TCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGG TTCAGTGGCA GTGGATCAGG GACAGATTTC ACTCTCACCA TCAGCCGTCTAGAGCCTGAA GATTTTGCGG TTTATTACTG T; and SBA1330: [SEQ ID NO: 35]GGCGCCGCCA CAGTACGTTT TATTTCCACC TTGGTACCCT GGCCGAACGT GAAAGGCCAGCTGTTACTCT GTTGACAGTA ATAAACCGCA AAATCTTC.

When annealed and extended, these sequences code for amino acidsrepresenting the portion of the light chain variable region beingaltered including the first five amino acids of the human kappa constantregion. SEQ ID NOS: 13 and 14, respectively, are the DNA and amino acidsequences of the intermediate of the synthetic light chain, i.e.,representing the portion of the D12 light chain variable region beingaltered including the first five amino acids of the human kappa constantregion. This synthetic gene was then amplified using PCR primersSBA1277: GACATAGTAC TGACTCAGTC TCCAGGC [SEQ ID NO: 36] and SBA1278:GGCGCCGCCA CAGTACG [SEQ ID NO: 37] and ligated into the pCR2000 vectordescribed above and isolated after a ScaI, NarI restriction digest.

The DNA fragment coding for the Campath signal sequence [SEQ ID NOS: 18and 19] including the first three amino acids of the variable region wasmade by PCRing the vector F9HZLC 1-1 with certain primers. Vector F9HZLC1-1 is another variant of the pCDN vectors [Nambi et al, cited above]and pFHZLCL-1-pcn [International patent publication No. WO94/05690].These pCN variant plasmid vectors contain, in general, a beta lactamasegene, an SV40 origin of replication, a cytomegalovirus promotersequence, a selected humanized light chain, a polyA signal for bovinegrowth hormone, a betaglobin promoter, a neomycin resistance gene andanother BGH sequence polyA signal in a pUC19 background. F9HZLC 1-1further contains the remainder of a human framework 4 and kappa constantregion and a single amino acid mutation of the pFHZLCL-1-pcn vector inframework 2 (from Ser to Pro). The PCR primers used were SB8694:GGAGACGCCA TCGAATTCTG A [SEQ ID NO: 38] and SBA1224: AGACTGTGTCAGTACTATGT CGGAGTGGAC ACC [SEQ ID NO: 39] and F9HZLC1-1 was restrictiondigested with EcoRI and ScaI. These two fragments were ligated into thevector pFHZLCL-1-pcn, restriction digested with EcoRI and NarI. Theresulting vector pD12HZLC 1-1-pcn, when cultured in a host cell produceshumanized D12HZLC 1-0 [SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10].

D. Expression of Humanized Antibody in Mammalian Cells

The heavy chain vector pD12HZHC 1-0pcd and light chain vector pD12HZLC1-1-pcn described above were used to produce antibody HuD12 in COS cellsand in CHO cells.

For initial characterization, the humanized HuD12 heavy and light chainswere expressed in COS cells essentially as described in CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology (edited by F. M. Ausubel et al. 1988,John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1, section 9.1). Briefly described, the COScells were co transfected with 10 [g of each plasmid. On day 1 after thetransfection, the culture growth medium was replaced with a serum-freemedium which was changed on day 3. The serum-free medium was aproprietary formulation, but satisfactory results are obtained usingDMEM supplemented with ITS™ Premix (insulin, transferrin, seleniummixture—Collaborative Research, Bedford, Mass.) and 1 mg/ml BSA. The mAbwas isolated and prepared from the day 3+day 5 conditioned medium bystandard protein A affinity chromatography methods (e.g., as describedin Protocols in Molecular Biology) using, for example, Prosep A affinityresin (Bioprocessing Ltd., UK).

The humanized D12 was expressed as a γ1, kappa molecule in transientlytransfected COS cells. The supernatants of this culture were found tobind to the α_(v)β₃ receptor in both ELISA and BIAcore assays describedabove.

To produce larger quantities of the HuD12 mAbs (100-200 mgs), theplasmids were introduced into a proprietary CHO cell system, the CHO-E1acell line. This cell line supplies larger quantities of mAbs(approximately 10 mg of each) and enables testing of the activityprofile of both chimeric and humanized antibodies. However, similarresults will be obtained using dhfr⁻ CHO cells as previously described[P. Hensley et al., cited above]. Briefly, a total of 30 μg oflinearized plasmid DNA (15 ug each of the heavy or light chain plasmids)is electroporated into 1×10⁷ cells. The cells are initially selected innucleoside-free medium in 96 well plates. After three to four weeks,media from growth positive wells is screened for human immunoglobulinusing the ELISA assay of Example 3. The highest expressing colonies areexpanded and selected in increasing concentrations of methotrexate foramplification of the transfected vectors. The antibody is purified fromconditioned medium by standard procedures using protein A affinitychromatography (Protein A sepharose, Pharmacia) followed by sizeexclusion chromatography (Superdex 200, Pharmacia).

The concentration and the antigen binding activity of the elutedantibody are measured by the ELISA assays of Examples 3 and 4. Theantibody containing fractions are pooled and further purified by sizeexclusion chromatography.

Two such humanized D12 antibodies have been generated, the IgG₁ antibodydescribed above and an IgG₄ version (prepared analogously as describedabove, but using an IgG₄ constant region). The HZ-D12 (IgG₁) is producedin a stable CHO expression cell line. A 50 nM MTX line was generatedthat is acceptable for Phase I production (300 mg/L). Additional lines,i.e., 150 nM MTX line (400 mg/L) and 450 nM MTX line, are beingevaluated. Murine and humanized D12 cross reacts with VSMC from baboonand inhibits SMC. Murine and humanized D12 inhibits human EC migration.

EXAMPLE 14 Construction of D12HZREI

A second construct has a light chain based on the REI consensusframework to provide an alternative light chain in the event of unstableexpression in humanized D12 production cell lines. The primary variantintroduces five murine framework residues predicted to make contact withdifferent VK CDR residues.

Briefly described, a synthetic humanized kappa chain was designed basedon a modified human REI kappa chain framework and the D12 CDRs describedpreviously. SEQ ID NO: 15 is the amino acid sequence of the modifiedhuman REI kappa chain framework. Five donor (murine D12) frameworkresidues were introduced, at positions identified in modelingexperiments, which might influence CDR presentation. Four overlappingsynthetic oligonucleotides were generated:

SBA 3166: [SEQ ID NO: 40] 5′ gac atA GTA CTG ACT CAG TCT CCA AGC AGC CTGTCT GCG TCT GTA GGA GAT AGA GTC ACC ATT ACC TGC AGG GCC AGC CAA AGT ATTAGC 3′; SBA 3167: [SEQ ID NO: 41] 5′ CCC GAG ATG GAC TGG GAA GCA TAC TTGATG AGA AGC CTA GGA GCC TTG CCA GGT TTT TGT TGA TAC CAG TGT AGG TGG TTGCTA ATA CTT TGG CTG GCC CT 3′; SBA 3168: [SEQ ID NO: 42] 5′ GCT TCC CAGTCC ATC TCT GGG ATC CCC TCC AGG TTC AgT GGC AGT GGA TCA GGG ACA GAT TTCACT TTC ACC ATC AGC AGT CTA CAG CCT GAA GAT ATT 3′; and SBA 3169: [SEQID NO: 43] 5′ ttc cac ctt GGT ACC CTG GCC GAA CGT GAA AGG CCA GGA ATTCGA CTG TTG ACA GTA ATA AGT CGC AAT ATC TTC AGG CTG TAT ACT GCT 3′.

When these synthetic oligonucleotide sequences were annealed andextended, they code for amino acids representing the portion of thelight chain variable region being altered, including the highlyconserved KpnI site found in the Jk gene segment. SEQ ID NO: 16illustrates the DNA sequence of the Jk gene segment and SEQ ID NO: 17 isthe amino acid sequence of its gene product.

This synthetic gene was then amplified using two PCR primers SBA 3170:5′ gac atA GTA CTG ACT CAG TCT CCA AGC 3′ [SEQ ID NO: 44]; and SBA 3171:5′ ttc cac ctt GGT ACC CTG GCC GAA CGT GAA AGG 3′ [SEQ ID NO: 45], andligated into the pCR2000 vector described above, and isolated afterScaI, KpnI digestion.

A DNA fragment corresponding to the CAMPATH signal sequence, illustratedin SEQ ID NOS: 18 and 19 was isolated following EcoRI, ScaI digestion ofthe light chain vector pD12HZLC 1-1-pcn, described above. These twofragments were ligated together with the large fragment isolated fromthe same vector digested with EcoRI and KpnI which contains the kconstant region. The resulting sequence was that of the synthetic lightchain D12HZREI. SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21 are the DNA sequence and the aminoacid sequence, respectively, of the synthetic humanized kappa chainbased on a modified human REI kappa chain framework, D12HZLCREI.Restriction enzyme endonuclease cleavage sites are located in thesequences as follows: Scal (AGTACT; nucleotides 6-11); AvrII (CCTAGG;nucleotides 130-135); EcoRI (GAATTC; nucleotides 273-278) and KpnI(GGTACC; nucleotides 310-306).

EXAMPLE 15 In Vivo Rabbit Restenosis Assay

As described in Example 10, osteopontin, a ligand of the human α_(v)β₃receptor, is upregulated following angioplasty and promotes VSMCmigration via the integrin. Antibodies to human α_(v)β₃ receptor shouldprevent neointima formation in vivo.

The rabbit model functions as follows. On day 0, plasma samples aretaken from normal 3 kg rabbits. The rabbits are then sedated, and theanimals receive an injury (i.e., endothelial denudation of the iliacartery). Denudation of the endothelium is accomplished with three passesof a 3 fr embolectomy balloon catheter. Pilot studies indicates that thelesion incidence is 100% and 10-12 rabbits are needed in each group todetect a 35% reduction in neointimal area.

The murine D12 mAb was administered to the rabbits on days 1, 2 and 3.The dose was 9 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg delivered intravenously. Plasma samplesare collected for mAb determinations on 0, 1, 2, and 21 days andmorphometric analysis is performed on histologic sections prepared fromeach artery. Neointimal formation and vessel remodeling is thenquantified 21 days following the injury. Increase in lumen area andtotal vessel area is indicative of remodeling after injury.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate the results of two separate studies. FIGS. 10Aand 10C measure the lumen area treated by the control or the D12 mAb onDay 21 in two studies (2 doses). FIGS. 10B and 10D measure the totalvessel area treated by the control of the D12 mAb in two studies (2doses). This data indicates that murine D12 mAbs show efficacy in therabbit model of restenosis, resulting in positive remodeling of theinjured vessel (lumen enlargement).

EXAMPLE 16 SCID Model of Cancer/Angiogenesis

The severe combined immunodeficient mouse (SCID) model, in which humanskin is grafted and not rejected [see, e.g., P. W. Soballe et al, 1996,Cancer Res., 56:757-764] can serve as a source of angiogenicneovascularization, and subsequently can accept human tumor. This modelis utilized for efficacy testing of the D12 mAbs and HuD12antibodies.

Briefly described, in this model human skin was grafted on the mouse.Human tumor cells are injected into the human skin graft and the growthof the tumor measured. The human skin graft supplies the humanneovasculature required for tumor growth. The animals were treated withmurine D12 or humanized D12 and the delay in the tumor growth comparedto its untreated controls was observed.

Inhibition of tumor growth indicated that D12 mAbs (human anti-α_(v)β₃positive, murine anti-α_(v)β₃ negative) play a role in the inhibition ofα_(v)β₃ dependent angiogenesis. Preliminary data indicated that tumorgrowth has been delayed in the animals treated with the D12 mAbs. Thesedata support the hypothesis that treating “angiogenesis” will preventtumor growth.

Table IV below indicates that by immunohistology the human skin has nopositive anti-α_(v)β₃ staining. However, when the tumor grows in theskin the neovasculature shows positive D12, indicating that α_(v)β₃ isexpressed in this tumor lesion.

TABLE IV Hu-SCID Tissue: D12mAb human skin graft on SCID − human tumorgrowth in the skin graft +

The results of Examples 3 through 16 establish that the D12 and HuD12antibodies have potent anti-receptor activity in vitro and showprophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in vivo in animal models.

It will be clear that the invention may be practiced otherwise than asparticularly described in the foregoing description and examples. Allpublished documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference.Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings and, therefore, are within thescope of the appended claims.

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain of analtered antibody specifically reactive with the human α_(v)β₃ proteinreceptor and capable of neutralizing said receptor wherein said heavychain comprises the complementarity determining region sequencescorresponding to amino acids 31-35, amino acids 50-66, and amino acids99-106 of SEQ ID NO:5.
 2. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1,comprising SEQ ID NO:4.
 3. A recombinant plasmid comprising the nucleicacid sequence of claim
 1. 4. A host cell comprising the plasmid ofclaim
 1. 5. A process for the production of a human antibody specificfor the human α_(v)β₃ receptor comprising culturing the host cell ofclaim 4 in a medium under suitable conditions of time temperature and pHand recovering the antibody so produced.
 6. An isolated nucleic acidmolecule encoding a light chain of an altered wherein said light chaincomprises the complementarity determining region sequences correspondingto amino acids 24-34, amino acids 50-66, and amino acids 89-97 of SEQ IDNO:10.
 7. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising SEQID NO:9
 8. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising SEQID NO:
 14. 9. A recombinant plasmid comprising the nucleic acid sequenceof claim
 6. 10. A host cell comprising the plasmid of claim
 9. 11. Aprocess for the production of a human antibody specific for the humanα_(v)β₃ receptor comprising culturing the host cell of claim 10 in amedium under suitable conditions of time temperature and pH andrecovering the antibody so produced.